General Questions about Mil-tek Balers & Compactors

Q: How do I decide which model machine I need?

A: A Mil-tek consultant will guide you in making this decision. What you need to know is the approximate amount of e.g. cardboard you generate every day, in what stream and in what sizes it comes. In addition to this you should know how much space you have available for a machine. This basic information combined with your business set-up forms the basis for evaluating which model machine you need.

Q: Can I rent/lease a machine?

A: Yes, Mil-tek provides a range of rental and lease options tailored to suit each organisations' individual requirements. Go to the rental pages or to the locations page to find the nearest Mil-tek branch and ask what oiptions they can offer for your business.

Q: Where should I install my machine?

A: Your internal working processes and the data available on your waste streams will provide you with that answer. Together with Mil-tek, we will ensure you find the optimal spot in your workplace.

Q: Should my baler stand indoors or out?

A: Balers and compactor can be installed indoors or out - what is most important is that you place your machine close to where waste is generated e.g. a store room or an unpacking area. If you place the machine outside it should be under a roof. You should also be aware that cold weather conditions can influence the performance of your baler or compactor. A Mil-tek consultant will help analysing the best place to install the machine.

What kind of AC outlet do I need?

A: If you already have an air-line you will not need any - the machine can be simply connected to the existing airline. If you do not have an air-line, the compressor requires a standard AC outlet i.e. not a 3-phase, thus avoiding any expensive electrician-related cost.

Q: How much noise does the machine make?

A: As they are air-powered rather than hydraulic, Mil-tek balers and compactors are extremely quiet. If you have an existing air-line you can simply plug the machine in and then your existing compressor acts as the engine. If you need to have a compressor installed, a Mil-tek technician will ensure that the compressor is placed at an appropriate distance from the machine.

Q: How often must the machine be serviced?

A: The machine requires an annual service to ensure it is operating correctly and safely. If you have a Mil-tek compressor installed, a Mil-tek technician will also service this on an annual basis.

Q: What is the cost for the machine, installation and training?

A: Mil-tek consultant will provide a cost-saving analysis to establish what the real cost of your waste management is, and to outline what the return on investment will be from purchasing a Mil-tek baler.

Q: What skills or training is required to operate a Mil-tek machine?

A: Mil-tek balers and compactors are very straightforward to use. An educated and licensed Mil-tek technician will train a key staff member so that he or she understands how the machine works and can in turn train other staff members. The training is simple and quick and means almost anyone can learn how to use a Mil-tek machine.

Q: Can I rent a machine?

A: Yes, Mil-tek has a rental programme and a service programme, allowing you to rent a machine on a flexible basis.

Questions about Mil-tek Cardboard & Plastic Balers

Q: Who collects my cardboard and plastic bales?

A: Mil-tek will assist in finding a local recycler to collect your cardboard and plastic bales.

Q: What is the difference between a standard and a HD model?

A: Standard and HD are similar in size and carbon footprint, but the HD (Heavy Duty) handles higher volumes and produces denser bales. What you need to know is the approximate amount of e.g. cardboard you generate every day, in what stream and in what sizes it comes. This basic information combined with your business set-up forms the basis for evaluating which model machine you need.

Q: Can I bale cardboard and plastic in the one machine?

A: Yes, you can, although we recommend you do not do it at the same time. If you have a steady mix of both, Mil-tek also supplies a plastic bag stand allowing you to store plastic neatly while you build a cardboard bale. Once you are ready, you can then make a plastic bale. You can order your own plastic bag stand here...

Questions about Mil-tek General Waste Compactors

Q: Can I place a Mil-tek X-Press Compactor inside my kitchen where food is being prepared?

A: Yes, you can. The Mil-tek X-Press is air-powered, meaning that not only is there no risk of contamination from oil, it is also extremely quiet. As there can be local rules and legislation on this topic, always discuss with you Mil-tek consultant, as he will let you know what is possible.

Q: How will this affect my existing bins and waste containers?

A: The X-Press Compactor range of machines are designed to neatly replace a standard drum-size waste container. This is mounted on a wheeled trolley facilitating simple changing and transport.

Q: Can my compacted waste be collected / disposed of as normal?

A: Yes, it can, but with a compaction rate of 10:1, it is likely that you will have significantly fewer collections and/or landfill trips.

Questions about Mil-tek EPS Compactors

Q: What exactly does the Mil-tek EPS compactor do?

A: EPS6 is approximately 98% air. The Mil-tek EPS compactor shreds the polystyrene into fine grains. These are then melted to remove the air and significantly reduce the size. The EPS is then compacted in dense, manageable briquettes.

Q: And I can earn money from this?

A: Yes, you can. Dense, compacted polystyrene can be recycled into almost any plastic based product: mobile phones, speakers, televisions, DVDs etc. It is much cheaper than manufacturing 'new' plastic, making it a popular commodity.

Q: What kind of polystyrene can I shred?

A: EPS6 is the most popular and most commonly used for of polystyrene, and the only kind of polystyrene that can be recycled in a Mil-tek EPS compactor. All packaging should be clearly marked so if you are in doubt, always check.

Q: How do I decide between an EPS1000 Polystyrene Compactor and an EPS1800?

A: Mil-tek consultant will guide you in making this decision. The EPS1000 Polystyrene Compactor and EPS 1800 are different in size and carbon footprint, - the EPS1800 is designed to handle higher volumes of EPS and run continuously throughout the day.

Q: Why should I not just include polystyrene with my general waste?

A: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is inert and does not de-compose; once it enters landfill it will stay there forever. By compacting and recycling polystyrene, you can reduce your existing waste costs by up to 80%, by avoiding unnecessary transport costs and reducing bins and lifts required. You can also generate money by doing this as polystyrene is a great waste source that can be recycled with great success.

Q: How do I find someone to buy my compacted EPS?

A: Ask someone who knows: Mil-tek assist companies all over the world in doing exactly this, and your consultant will ensure you find a local recycler willing to take this off your hands for a reasonable price.

Questions about Mil-tek Can Crushers

Q: What about contamination from paint?

A: All Mil-tek machines are coated with a high quality, anti-corrosion powdered enamel finish to protect the surfaces. For customers with specialist requirements, Mil-tek also supplies a stainless steel version of the Can Crusher.

Q: What kind of cans can I put in the Mil-tek Can Crusher?

Q: Who collects my compacted metal?

A: Ask someone who knows: Mil-tek assist companies all over the world in doing exactly this, and your consultant will ensure you find a local recycler willing to take this off your hands for a reasonable price.

Questions about Mil-tek Compressors

Q: Do I need a compressor to run a Miltek baler?

A: All Mil-tek machines are pneumatic (air-powered) rather than hydraulic. For this you will need a supply of compressed air. Many organisations have one of these, and if that is the case then your baler or compactor can be powered from this directly.

Q: What kind of compressor should I use?

A: Mil-tek has spent years figuring out this question so that you don't have to. We have established partnerships with leading manufacturers of compressors to offer a range of options that have been developed specifically for Mil-tek balers and compactors.